System and method for embedding dynamic marks into visual images in a detectable manner

ABSTRACT

Systems ( 100 ) and methods ( 500 ) for providing a dynamic mark ( 112, 900 ) with a video. The methods comprise: receiving a sequence of symbols (“1234”) uniquely identifying an entity and video; mapping each symbol to an image pattern of a plurality of different image patterns to form a sequence of First Active Image Patterns (“FAIPs”). Each FAIP ( 1102 - 1108 ) exclusively comprises first pattern regions ( 802 - 816 ) for encoding symbols. At least two pattern regions are rendered with at least one color (e.g., “R, G, and/or B”) other than a background color for the image pattern. The first pattern regions are arranged in a non-grid like pattern. Each first pattern region has a non-square shape with a single side boundary line directly abutting a single side boundary line of at least one other first pattern region. The FAIPs are then caused to be displayed along with the video in a detectable and decodable manner.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/976,043 filed Apr. 7, 2014, which isincorporated by reference as if fully set forth.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Statement of the Technical Field

The inventive arrangements relate to systems and methods for dynamicmark embedding in visual images. More particularly, the inventionconcerns systems and methods in which dynamic marks are embedded intovisual images (e.g., static images, videos and live broadcasts) in amanner detectable by a decoding device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Due to the technical complexities involved, the convergence of digitalmedia as displayed on a TV, or a video screen, and a wireless smartdevice such as a smartphone, has been virtually non-existent. Althoughthere have been attempts to connect the two mediums each have their ownserious limitations, and are simply not ideal, or practical. Thelimitations for optical based systems include, but are not limited to,requiring a very short distance from the video display to captureinformation, ambient light in the room in which the video display isbeing viewed can render the receiver unusable, variations in the videodisplay output can render the receiver unusable, and the time it takesfor the receiver to actually capture the information. Because of these,and other unreliable limitations, the user is likely to get frustratedand simply give up.

The limitations for Audio based systems include but are not limited to,the volume level and proximity to the audio transmitter, the quality ofthe audio output, background noise such as talking, music, or othersounds which can interfere with the receiver, and the time it takes forthe receiver to actually capture the information. Because of these, andother unreliable limitations, the user is likely to get frustrated andsimply give up.

A need has therefore been recognized in the art to provide a reliableand robust solution to the problem. The system preferably facilitatesthe convergence of video displayed information directly, quickly, andwirelessly, to all of the currently available, and future smart devicessuch as smartphones, tablets, wearable's such as watches, glasses andothers not yet known to the market. Further, the solution should includea method for advertisers to engage their customers and maximize theresponse to their commercials by enabling viewers to acquire digitalcoupons and other incentive offers associated with the video broadcastcommercial. There is also a need to provide new and different backendsolutions for utilizing these devices and methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns systems and methods for providing aDigital Dynamic Mark (“DDM”) in conjunction with a video. The methodscomprise: electronically receiving, by a computing device, firstinformation comprising a sequence of symbols uniquely identifying afirst entity and a first video; mapping, by the computing device, eachof the symbols to an image pattern of a plurality′ of different imagepatterns so as to form a sequence of first active image patterns; andperforming operations by the computing device to facilitate a display ofthe sequence of first active image patterns along with the first videoin a detectable and decodable manner.

Each first active image pattern exclusively comprises a plurality offirst pattern regions for encoding symbols. At least two pattern regionsof the first pattern regions are rendered with at least one color (e.g.,red, green and/or blue) other than a defined background color for theimage pattern. The first pattern regions are arranged in a non-grid likepattern. Each first pattern region has a non-square shape (e.g., arectangular or triangular shape) with a single side boundary linedirectly abutting a single side boundary line of at least one otherfirst pattern region. At least two of the first pattern regions have thesame or different shapes.

In some scenarios, the sequence of first active image patterns isappended to an end of a sequence of second active image patterns. Eachsecond active image pattern indicates which symbol of a plurality ofsymbols is represented by a particular active image pattern that maypossibly be contained in a customer-specific portion of any one of aplurality of DDMs. An inactive image pattern is also appended to an endof the sequence of first active image patterns. The inactive imagepattern comprises a plurality of second pattern regions all renderedwith the defined background color or black. The sequences of firstactive image patterns, the sequence of second active image patterns andthe inactive image pattern are then be sequentially displayed along withthe first video.

In those or other scenarios, the computing device further performsoperations to cause at least one event to occur in response to areception of a sequence of decoded symbols obtained from captured videoof the sequence of first active image patterns presented along with thefirst video. The event includes, but is not limited to: (1) directing acommunication device possessed by a viewer of the first video to apre-defined website; and/or (2) delivering information to a viewer ofthe first video specifying a promotion, an offer or a coupon availablethrough the entity.

The present invention also concerns systems and methods for providing aDDM in conjunction with a video. These methods comprise: providing, froma computing device to a mark generator, first information comprising asequence of symbols uniquely identifying an entity and a video;receiving, by the computing device, a sequence of first active imagepatterns, a sequence of second active image patterns, and/or an inactiveimage pattern from the mark generator; and performing operations by thecomputing device to facilitate a display of the sequence of first activeimage patterns, the sequence of second active image patterns, and/or theinactive image pattern along with the video in a detectable anddecodable manner. Each first active image pattern encodes a respectiveone of the symbols.

In some scenarios, the computing device receives a user-softwareinteraction selecting at least one event which is to occur in responseto a reception of a sequence of decoded symbols obtained from capturedvideo of the sequence of first active image patterns presented alongwith the video. The event includes, but is not limited to: (1) directinga communication device possessed by a viewer of said first video to apre-defined website; and/or (2) delivering information to a viewer ofthe first video specifying a promotion, an offer or a coupon availablethrough the entity.

The present invention further concerns systems and methods for using aDDM presented along with a video to receive information. The methodscomprise capturing a first DDM being presenting along with a first videousing a video camera of a computing device (e.g., a smart phone). Thefirst DDM comprises a sequence of first active image patterns eachencoding a respective one of a plurality of symbols uniquely identifyingan entity and the video. The computing device then decodes the first DDMto obtain a sequence of decoded symbols. Next, the sequence of decodedsymbols is optionally sent from the computing device to a remote devicefor processing. In this case, the computing device receives informationfrom the remote device (1) directing the communication device to apre-defined website, or (2) specifying a promotion, an offer or a couponavailable through the entity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawingfigures, in which like numerals represent like items throughout thefigures, and in which:

FIG. 1 provides a schematic illustration of an exemplary system that isuseful for understanding the present invention.

FIG. 2 provides a schematic illustration of an exemplary server/databasearchitecture.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary architecture for themobile communication device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary architecture for thecomputing device shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5A-5B collectively provide a flow diagram that is useful forunderstanding the operation of the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary graphical userinterface for creating and managing a user profile.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration useful for understanding operationsperformed by a video content owner within the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration that is useful for understanding anexemplary architecture of a DDM.

FIGS. 9-12 provide schematic illustrations that are useful forunderstanding contents of a DDM.

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration that is useful for understanding howa DDM can be presented along with a video.

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of another architecture for a DDM.

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration showing a mobile communicationdevice receiving and decoding data acquired from a DDM presented alongwith a video.

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration showing a mobile communicationsdevice transmitting decoded information acquired from a DDM to a dataprocessing center of a mark provider.

FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of a mobile communications devicereceiving selectable content from a data processing center of a markprovider.

FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration showing an exemplary process forpurchasing an item using content (e.g., a coupon/promotional offers)obtained as a result of capturing a DDM displayed in conjunction with avideo.

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration showing an exemplary process forselecting and downloading digital coupons/offers to a shopping softwareapplication running on a mobile communications device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments asgenerally described herein and illustrated in the appended figures couldbe arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations.Thus, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, asrepresented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of thepresent disclosure, but is merely representative of various embodiments.While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings,the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specificallyindicated.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative. Thescope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims.All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency ofthe claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language does not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the present invention should be or are in anysingle embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to thefeatures and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,discussions of the features and advantages, and similar language,throughout the specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to thesame embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages and characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, in light ofthe description herein, that the invention can be practiced without oneor more of the specific features or advantages of a particularembodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages maybe recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in allembodiments of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “anembodiment”, or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the indicatedembodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the presentinvention. Thus, the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”,and similar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

As used in this document, the singular form “a”, “an”, and “the” includeplural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unlessdefined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein havethe same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in theart. As used in this document, the term “comprising” means “including,but not limited to”.

Overview

The present invention concerns systems and methods for embedding orlayering a dynamic code within/on top of a video. The dynamic code willbe described in detail below. Still, it should be appreciated that thedynamic code is a novel code which overcomes various drawbacks ofconventional matrix codes (e.g., QR codes) used in conjunction with thevideo. For example, conventional QR codes require positioning symbols.The dynamic code does not require such positioning symbols, and thus isa more efficient code. Also, conventional QR codes are two tone codes(i.e., black and white codes). In contrast, the dynamic code of thepresent invention employs more than two tones (e.g., black, red, green,and blue). As such, when using the same resolution on a reader device,the dynamic code can specify a greater amount of total possibleinformation as compared to conventional QR codes.

Additionally, QR codes suffer from data loss as a result of “bleeding”of encoded data points at least partially because of their squareshapes, relatively small sizes, and strict grid structure in which eachsquare falls within only one cell of a grid. In contrast, the dynamiccode of the present invention does not suffer from such “bleeding” sincethe pattern regions have non-square shapes (e.g., circular shapes,rectangular shapes or arbitrary shapes selected in accordance with aparticular application), relatively large sizes, and a non-gridstructure (i.e., each pattern region does not fall exclusively within asingle cell of a grid, rather overlaps multiple cells of a grid).

Furthermore, the QR codes and other conventional codes are absent of amechanism for preventing (a) channel noise, (b) different lightingvariations, color variations and color distortions of a plurality ofdisplay screens, and (c) variations in the optical characteristics ofdifferent image/video capturing devices from causing errors in asubsequent decoding process. The dynamic code of the present inventionadvantageously includes such a mechanism, namely a code book portion.The code book portion will be described in detail below. Still, itshould be understood that the code book portion of the present inventiongenerally comprises a sequence of color coded image patterns definingwhat symbol of a plurality of symbols (e.g., digits 0-5) each possiblepattern in a subsequent customer-specific portion of the dynamic coderepresents. The code book portion provides reference image patterns towhich the image patterns of the customer-specific portion can becompared for purposes of determining the sequence of symbols representedthereby. Accordingly, the code book portion provides a dynamiccalibration system for each individual display screen and itssurrounding environment. Thus, the code book portion ensures that themessage delivery technique of the present invention functions properlyregardless of the particular display screen on which the dynamic code isdisplayed and/or the surrounding environment in which the display screenresides.

Dynamic Mark Embedding System

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is provided a schematic illustration ofan exemplary system 100 that is useful for understanding the presentinvention. System 100 comprises a Mark Generator (“MG”) facility 154, aVideo/Mark Distributor (“VMD”) facility 152, and a viewer facility 150.At the MG facility 154, a DDM 112 is generated based on informationprovided by a Video Content Owner (“VCO”) 162 or a live broadcast ownerlocated in the VMD facility 152. Thereafter, the DDM 112 is presented toa viewer 160 along with a video on a display screen 110 located in theviewer's facility 150. In this regard, the DDM 112 is embedded in orlayered on top of the video which is owned by the VCO 162, as will bedescribed further below. The video and mark may be distributed toviewers by the VCO 162 and/or another entity (e.g., a televisionstation).

The VMD facility 152 is shown as comprising both the VCO's facility(e.g., a commercial owner) and a video distributor facility (e.g., atelevision station). Embodiments of the present invention are notlimited in this regard. Two or more separate and distinct facilities canbe provided for the VCO and/or the video distributor.

Also, the MGF 154 is shown as comprising at least one server 114 and atleast one database 116. In some scenarios, the MGF 154 comprises aplurality of web servers 202, a plurality of application servers 204,and/or a plurality of databases 206 as shown in FIG. 2. The presentinvention is not limited in this regard. Any server/databasearchitecture can be employed herein without limitation.

The operation of system 100 will now be described with reference toFIGS. 1-18. As shown by step 502 of FIG. 5, the operations begin whenthe VCO 162 launches a web-based software application installed on acomputing device 106 located in the VMD facility 152. The computingdevice 106 includes, but is not limited to, a desktop computer, apersonal computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant, atable computer or a smart device. Each of the listed devices is wellknown in the art, and therefore will not be described herein.

As a consequence of launching the web-based software application, theVCO 162 is presented with an application window in which (s)he cancreate and/or manage a user profile, as shown by step 504 of FIG. 5. Aschematic illustration of an exemplary architecture for the applicationwindow is provided in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, a form is presented inthe application window whereby the VCO 162 is prompted to enter certaincustomer-specific information (e.g., identification information, contactinformation primary address, secondary address, etc. . . . ) forcreating a customer profile.

Upon completing the form, step 506 is performed in which the inputinformation is securely communicated from the computing device 106 to aserver 114 of the MG facility 154 via a network 104 (e.g., theInternet). This secure communication can be achieved using cryptographictechnologies, virtual network technologies and/or secure DNS servertechnologies. At server 114, the VCO 162 is issued a customer code (oraccount number) 602 by a software application running on a server 114 ofthe MG facility 154, as shown by step 508 of FIG. 5. The customer code602 can be a numeric code (e.g., “12”), an alpha numeric code, or analphabetic code.

Thereafter in step 510, the VCO 162 uses the software application toobtain a DDM 112, which is unique for a particular video owned thereby.In this regard, the VCO 162 logs into a web based mark generationservice via a web browser. Once logged into the web based markgeneration service, the VCO 162 is prompted to input additionalinformation that can be used by server 114 to generate the unique DDM112. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the VCO 162 performs user-softwareoperations to specify a commercial series 604 (e.g., “3”) and acommercial number 606 (e.g., “4”) within the series for which the DDM112 is to be generated. The VCO 162 may also select events (e.g.,redirect to URL, send offer, or make purchase) which should occur as aresult of the acquisition of the DDM 112 by a viewer of thecorresponding video using a Mobile Communication Device (“MCD”) 102thereof. Notably, these events can be changed at any time by the VCO162, and therefore resulting actions from acquiring the DDM can bestatic or variable over a given period of time. This additionalinformation is then securely communicated from the computing device 106to a server 114 of the MG facility 154 via a network 104 (e.g., theInternet). In response to the reception of the additional information,the server 114 performs operations to create or generate the DDM 112.The DDM 112 is then sent from the server 114 to the computing device106.

The DDM 112 comprises a sequence of image patterns. Schematicillustrations of exemplary architectures for the DDM are provided inFIGS. 8-12. As shown in FIG. 8, an exemplary DDM image pattern 800comprises a plurality of pattern regions 802-816 arranged relative toeach other so as to form a square shaped image. Each pattern region802-816 has a generally rectangular shape. The present invention is notlimited in this regard. The DDM image pattern 800 can include anyoverall shape selected in accordance with a particular application.Also, the pattern regions can have any arbitrary shapes selected inaccordance with the desired overall shape of the DDM image pattern 800.For example, a DDM image pattern 1400 is designed to have an overallstar shape as shown in FIG. 14 with eight data pattern regions1402-1416. En this case, some of the pattern regions have shapesdifferent from or the same as at least one other data pattern region.More specifically, data regions 1402-1410 have the same shapes. Dataregions 1414 and 1416 have the same shapes. Data regions 1412-1416 havedifferent shapes as compared to data regions 1402-1410. This designflexibility of the DDM image pattern allows the DDM to have imagepatterns with shapes conformed to one or more design marks of a customer(e.g., a star shaped design mark as shown in FIG. 14).

The color pattern of the pattern region 802-816 specifies which symbolof a plurality of symbols is represented by the image pattern 800.Different combinations of the three colors Red (“R”), Green (“G”) andBlue (“Blue”) define a numeric (e.g., heximal) system. However, thepresent invention is not restricted to any specific numeral system. Eachsymbol in the numeric system is determined by two colors. Thecorrespondence between color combinations and symbols is called a “codebook”. Although there are twenty-eight different pairs of patternregions in FIG. 8 that can be used to signal a symbol, only thefollowing four pairs are considered for illustration purpose: 802, 804;806, 808; 810, 812; and 814, 816.

As shown in FIG. 8, an assumption is made that the symbols include ninedigits 0-8. A symbol 0 is represented by an image pattern with twopattern regions 802, 804 appearing in red and all remaining patternregions 806-816 appearing in a background color (e.g., white or a lightyellow). A symbol 1 is represented by an image pattern with a patternregion 802 appearing in red, a pattern region 804 appearing in green,and all remaining pattern regions 806-816 appearing in a backgroundcolor (e.g., white or light yellow). A symbol 2 is represented by animage pattern with a pattern region 806 appearing in red, a patternregion 808 appearing in blue, and all remaining pattern regions 802,804, 810-816 appearing in a background color (e.g., white or a lightyellow). A symbol 3 is represented by an image pattern with patternregions 810, 8.12 appearing in green, and all remaining pattern regions802-808, 814, 816 appearing in a background color (e.g., white or alight yellow). A symbol 4 is represented by an image pattern with apattern region 814 appearing in green, a pattern region 816 appearing inblue, and all remaining pattern regions 802-812 appearing in abackground color (e.g., white or a light yellow). A symbol 5 isrepresented by an image pattern with pattern regions 802, 804 appearingin blue, and all remaining pattern regions 806-816 appearing in abackground color (e.g., white or a light yellow). A symbol 6 isrepresented by an image pattern with a pattern region 806 appearing ingreen, a pattern region 808 appearing in red, and all remaining patternregions 802, 804, 810-816 appearing in a background color (e.g., whiteor a light yellow). A symbol 7 is represented by an image pattern with apattern region 810 appearing in blue, a pattern region 812 appearing inred, and all remaining pattern regions 802-808, 814, 816 appearing in abackground color (e.g., white or a light yellow). A symbol 8 isrepresented by an image pattern with a pattern region 814 appearing inblue, a pattern region 816 appearing in green, and all remaining patternregions 802-812 appearing in a background color (e.g., white or a lightyellow). An image pattern representing no symbol comprises patternregions 802-816 appearing in black. The present invention is not limitedto the particulars of this example. Any type of symbols and/or colorpattern can be employed without limitation.

Notably, an image pattern representing a symbol is referred to herein asan active image pattern. In contrast, an image pattern that does notrepresent a symbol (i.e., all pattern regions are black) is referred toherein as an inactive image pattern. In some scenarios, the activatedpairs of pattern regions repeatedly follow the sequence 802/804,806/808, 810/812, 814/816. In this way, a message is transmitted by asequence of active image patterns. The variation of colors in activeregions encodes the message being sent. The start of a message can bedetected as the first active image pattern following an inactive imagepattern, while an inactive image pattern following an active imagepattern indicates the end of a message. The encoding of a message is notrestricted to the variations of colors. Variations of the locations ofactive regions can also be used to increase the amount of informationrepresented by a single image pattern.

Each active image pattern consists of background pixels with one colortone (e.g., white, light yellow or black) and at least two activeregions with different color tones (e.g., R/R, R/G, R/B, G/G, G/R, B/B,B/R, B/G). An inactive image pattern consists of background pixels withthe same or different color tone as the background pixels of an activeimage pattern (e.g., white, light yellow or black). Connectivity amongbackground pixels is enforced in the design of image patterns. Inparticular, all background pixels are completely d-connected in eachimage pattern, which is defined as the following: given any twobackground pixels at locations x and y, respectively, there exists aconnected path on the image such that a ball with diameter d (d>=1pixel) can be moved from x and y following the path and without touchingany of the active regions on the image. Either 4-connectivity or8-connectivity can be used in defining the connected path.

The above connectivity requirement makes the invented image patternfamily distinctive from QR codes, Mcodes, Semacodes and JagTags. Thed-connectivity of background pixels is important in controlling the“bleeding” effect among active regions when the pattern is captured by areader (e.g., a smart device with a video camera). Increasing the dvalue reduces the “bleeding” effect which in turn increases the distanceat which the reader is able to correctly decode the image pattern. Inthe present case, when the size of the image pattern is just one tenthof a video display, the reader can correctly decode the image patterncaptured from the video display at more than six times the height of thescreen away from the reader, which is a relatively large distancecompared to that of conventional embedded code systems (e.g., QR codebased systems).

Referring now to FIGS. 9-12, there is provided schematic illustrationsuseful for understanding a sequence of image patterns comprising anexemplary DDM 900. The DDM 900 is defined by a code book portion 902, acustomer-specific portion 904, and an end designator portion 906. Thecode book portion 902 comprises a sequence of color coded image patterns1002-1018. The image patterns 1002-1018 provide reference image patternsthat can be used for decoding an image pattern of the customer-specificportion 904. In this regard, each image pattern 1002-1018 comprises areference pattern for a symbol of a plurality of possible symbols (e.g.,0-8) that can be represented by each image pattern of thecustomer-specific portion 904.

The code book portion 902 is contained in the DDM 900 for purposes ofpreventing (a) channel noise, (b) different lighting variations, colorvariations and color distortions of a plurality of display screens, and(c) variations in the optical characteristics of different image/videocapturing devices from causing errors in a subsequent decoding process(which will be described below). Notably, inclusion of the code bookportion 902 in the DDM 900 advantageously eliminates any requirement fora viewer's MCD to have pre-set parameters for detecting the imagepatterns and corresponding symbols. In this regard, it should beunderstood that the code book portion provides reference image patternsto which the image patterns of the customer-specific portion 904 can becompared for purposes of determining the sequence of symbols representedthereby. Accordingly, the code book portion 902 provides a dynamiccalibration system for each individual display screen and itssurrounding environment. Thus, the code book portion 902 ensures thatthe DDM based message delivery technique functions properly regardlessof the particular display screen on which the DDM is displayed and/orthe surrounding environment in which the display screen resides.

The customer-specific portion 904 is then appended to the end of thecode book portion 902. The customer-specific portion 904 is created insome scenarios based on the customer code 702, the commercial series 704and the commercial number 706. The customer-specific portion 904comprises a sequence of color coded image patterns 1102-1108. Each imagepattern represents a respective portion of the sequence of symbols(e.g., digits “1234”). For example, first and second image patterns1102, 1104 collectively represent the customer code 702 (e.g., digits“12”). A third image pattern 1106 represents the commercial series 704(e.g., digit “3”). A fourth image pattern 1108 represents a commercialnumber 706 (e.g., digit “4”). The present invention is not limited inthis regard.

Next, the end designator portion 906 is appended to the end of thecustomer-specific portion 904. The end designator portion 904 comprisesan inactive image pattern (e.g., a solid block pattern). The enddesignator portion 904 provides a means for a decoding device to detectthe end of the DDM 900, and/or the start of a next iterative display ofthe DDM 900. This will become more evident as the discussion progresses.

Referring again to FIG. 5, step 512 is performed once the computingdevice 106 of the VCO 162 has possession of the DEM. In step 512, thevideo and DDM are distributed to a display screen 110 of the viewer 160directly by the VCO 162 or indirectly through another entity (e.g., atelevision station). At the display screen 110, the video is presentedto the viewer 160 along with the DDM 112, as shown by step 514.

In some scenarios, the DDM is embedded in the video (as shown by method1 of FIG. 13) by the VCO 162 or other entity (e.g., an advertisingagency). Alternatively, the DDM is a separate video clip from the video,and thus is presented to the viewer 160 in a picture-in-picture mode (asshown by method 2 of FIG. 13). Picture-in-picture modes are well knownin the art (e.g., multi-vision implementations), and therefore will notbe described herein. Any known or to be known picture-in-picture modecan be employed herein without limitation. A picture-in-picture mode canbe employed in both pre-recorded and live broadcast scenarios. In thepicture-in-picture mode scenarios, algorithms in the content ownersvideo editing program can be employed to ensure that the underlyingvideo does not affect the subsequent decoding process of thecustomer-specific portion of the DDM as result of color changes therein.

Notably, the DDM is presented such that the image patterns of the codebook portion (e.g., code book portion 902 of FIGS. 9-10), customerspecific portion (e.g., customer specific portion 904 of FIGS. 9 and11), and end designator portion (e.g., end designator portion 906 ofFIGS. 9 and 12) are sequentially displayed in the defined order. Forexample, the image pattern 1002 of the code book portion 902 isdisplayed first for a given period of time (e.g., 1 tenths of a second).Next, the image pattern 1004 of the code book portion 902 is displayed,followed by image pattern 1006, and so on. The entire DDM may beiteratively displayed N number of times during presentation of thevideo, where N is an integer value. Each iteration is separated by anend designator or inactive image pattern. As a consequence of thechanging image pattern, simultaneous changes in color and location ofactive regions in the DDM create a visually dynamic mark on the videodisplay which is visible yet not annoying to a viewer 160. The DDM maybe accompanied with text such as “Scan Now” so that the viewer 160 knowswhen to activate and direct the MCI) 102 at the DDM for processing.

While the DDM is being displayed, the viewer 160 uses the MCD 102 tocapture the DDM via a video camera 218 thereof, as shown by step 516 ofFIG. 5. In response to such capturing, a decoding application 256installed on the MCD 102 is caused to perform decoding operations, asshown by step 518 of FIG. 5. The decoding operations involve: processingthe video of the captured DDM to extract at least one iteration thereof,processing the extracted iteration to detect each image pattern (e.g.,image patterns 10024018 of FIG. 10, 1102-1108 of FIG. 11, 1200 of FIG.12) thereof; processing each image pattern e.g., image patterns1002-1018 of FIG. 10) of the code hook portion (e.g., code book portion902 of FIGS. 9 and 10) to determine reference image patterns andcorresponding reference symbols (e.g., 0-8) thereof; and processing eachimage pattern (e.g., image patterns 1102-1108 of FIGS. 9 and 11) of thecustomer-specific portion (e.g., customer specific portion 904 of FIGS.9 and 11) of the DDM to determine the corresponding sequence of symbolsrepresented thereby using the previously determined reference imagepatterns and corresponding reference symbols.

In some scenarios, error detection and correction techniques are used toensure that the correct sequence of symbols represented by thecustomer-specific portion of the DDM is ultimately obtained as a resultof the decoding operations. Error detection and correction techniquesare well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein.Any known or to be known error detection and correction technique can beused herein without limitation.

Alternative or additionally, the decoding operations involve performingpre-processing operations to identify which of a plurality of DDMiterations has the least amount of error(s). The identified DDMiteration is then selected and used in the decoding process to determinethe corresponding sequence of symbols represented thereby.

Also, in some scenarios, a pattern classifier is employed. The patternclassifier predicts the most likely symbol based on the color content ofa region. The pattern classifier is dynamic in nature. Specifically, thepattern classifier is self-adjusted in each message sequence based onthe received header information, i.e., patterns of the code bookportion. In this way, the system reduces the adverse effect caused byvariations of lighting condition and possible color distortions.

After the MCD 106 determines the symbol sequence (e.g., digits “1234”)represented by the customer-specific portion of the DDM, it forwards thesame to a server 114 of the MG facility 154, as shown by step 520 ofFIG. 5. At the MG facility 154, step 522 is performed where the symbolsequence is processed to determine if it matches one of a plurality ofsymbol sequences stored in a database 116. If the symbol sequence doesnot match one of the stored symbol sequences [524:NO], then the processends or other processing is performed (e.g., output an indication to theviewer that the captured DDM could not be decoded). In contrast, if thesymbol sequence matches one of the stored symbol sequences [524:YES],then the server 114 performs operations to cause at least one VCOspecified event to occur. For example, the server 114 may performoperations such as: query a sponsor/offer database (as shown in FIG. 17)for offers/coupons; and transmit available offers/coupons or otheradvertisement material in a digital format directly to the MCD 106 orvia an electronic message (e.g., a text message, web browser or anelectronic mail message). The offer/coupon could then be saved in ashopping application residing on the MCD and then used at a Point OfSale (“POS”). In this case, a code contained in the coupon can beobtained by a barcode reader or other short range communication device(such as a Near Field Communication device) of the POS for redemption.Additionally or alternatively, the server 114 may perform operations tosend a given URL to a web browser 252 of the MCD 106, whereby the viewer160 is shown particular web content specified by the VCO. The webcontent can include an interface in which the viewer 160 can select atleast one option from a plurality of options (e.g., a web page fromwhich one or more items can be purchased, or from which a coupon/offermay obtained or forwarded to a friend). In this case, the MCD 106 maycommunicate to the server 114 information specifying the viewer'sselection of the option. In response to the reception of thisinformation, the server 114 completes the process.

FIG. 15 provides another schematic illustration of operations performedin accordance with the present invention. In FIG. 15, an optical flowapproach and image segmentation is performed in real time to processeach video frame to identify a region of the video image containing theDDM. As such, a viewer 1502 captures a DDM 1504 displayed on a displaydevice 1506 along with a video. The DDM is captured using a video cameraof a smart device 1508. The smart device 1508 has a code reader. Thecode reader may be implemented as hardware and/or software. In thesoftware scenarios, a code reader/decoding software application isinstalled on the smart device 1508. This software application enablesthe smart device 1508 to perform various operations shown by functionalblocks 1510-1518: segment image patterns from a captured video;recognize one or more image patterns from a captured video; perform anynecessary error correction; decode the message (i.e., determine whichsymbol of a plurality of symbols is represented by each image pattern ofa sequence of image patterns; perform any necessary error correction);and transmit the decoded message (e.g., a sequence of symbols) to a dataprocessing center 1520. The decoded message may be transmitted to thedata processing center using any known or to be known communicationstechnology (such as WiFi based technology, cell tower based technology,and/or cable modem based technology as shown in FIG. 16). At the dataprocessing center 1520, the decoded message is processed to determine ifany action should be taken, such as provide a coupon or otherinformation to the viewer 1502 as shown in FIG. 17. In some scenarios,the viewer 1502 may be prompted to respond to a message sent to thesmart device 1508 in response to the decoded message. For example, asshown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the action comprises a shopping based actionfor facilitating online shopping by the viewer 1502.

MCD Architecture

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is provided a schematic illustration ofan exemplary architecture for the MCD 102. MCD 102 may include more orless components than those shown in FIG. 3. However, the componentsshown are sufficient to disclose an illustrative embodiment implementingthe present invention. Some or all of the components of the MCD 102 canbe implemented in hardware, software and/or a combination of hardwareand software. The hardware includes, but is not limited to, one or moreelectronic circuits.

As noted above, MCI) 102 can include, but is not limited to, a notebookcomputer, a personal digital assistant, a cellular phone or a mobilephone with smart device functionality (e.g., a Smartphone). In thisregard, the MCD 102 comprises an antenna 302 for receiving andtransmitting Radio Frequency (“RF”) signals. A receive/transmit(“Rx/Tx”) switch 304 selectively couples the antenna 302 to thetransmitter circuitry 306 and the receiver circuitry 308 in a mannerfamiliar to those skilled in the art. The receiver circuitry 308demodulates and decodes the RF signals received from an external device.The receiver circuitry 308 is coupled to a controller (ormicroprocessor) 310 via an electrical connection 334. The receivercircuitry 308 provides the decoded signal information to the controller310. The controller 310 uses the decoded RF signal information inaccordance with the function(s) of the MCD 102. The controller 310 alsoprovides information to the transmitter circuitry 306 for encoding andmodulating information into RF signals. Accordingly, the controller 310is coupled to the transmitter circuitry 306 via an electrical connection338. The transmitter circuitry 306 communicates the RF signals to theantenna 302 for transmission to an external device via the Rx/Tx switch304.

MCD 102 is also comprises an antenna 340 coupled to an SRC transceiver314 for receiving SRC signals. SRC transceivers are well known in theart, and therefore will not be described in detail herein. However, itshould be understood that the SRC transceiver 314 processes the SRCsignals to extract information therefrom. The SRC transceiver 314 mayprocess the SRC signals in a manner defined by the SRC applicationinstalled on the MCD 102. The SRC application can include, but is notlimited to, a Commercial Off the Shelf (“COTS”) application. The SRCtransceiver 314 is coupled to the controller 310 via an electricalconnection 336. The controller uses the extracted information inaccordance with the function(s) of the MCD 102.

The controller 310 may store received and extracted information inmemory 312 of the MCD 102. Accordingly, the memory 312 is connected toand accessible by the controller 310 through electrical connection 332.The memory 312 may be a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory.For example, memory 312 can include, but is not limited to, a RAM, aDRAM, a ROM and a flash memory. The memory 312 may also compriseunsecure memory and/or secure memory. The memory 312 can be used tostore various other types of data 360 therein, such as authenticationinformation, cryptographic information, location information, andvarious article-related information.

As shown in FIG. 3, one or more sets of instructions 350 are stored inmemory 312. The instructions may include customizable instructions andnon-customizable instructions. The instructions 350 can also reside,completely or at least partially, within the controller 310 duringexecution thereof by MCD 102. In this regard, the memory 312 and thecontroller 310 can constitute machine-readable media. The term“machine-readable media”, as used herein, refers to a single medium ormultiple media that stores one or more sets of instructions 350. Theterm “machine-readable media”, as used here, also refers to any mediumthat is capable of storing, encoding or carrying the set of instructions350 for execution by the MCD 102 and that causes the MCI) 102 to performone or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure.

The controller 310 is also connected to a user interface 330. The userinterface 330 comprises input devices 316, output devices 324 andsoftware routines (not shown in FIG. 3) configured to allow a user tointeract with and control software applications (e.g., softwareapplications 352, 356 and other software applications) installed on MCD102. Such input and output devices may include, but are not limited to,a display 328, a speaker 326, a keypad 320, a directional pad (not shownin FIG. 3), a directional knob (not shown in FIG. 3), a microphone 322,and a video camera 318. The display 328 may be designed to accept touchscreen inputs. As such, user interface 330 can facilitate a usersoftware interaction for launching applications (e.g., softwareapplications 352, 356 and other software applications) installed on MCI)102. The user interface 330 can facilitate a user-software interactivesession for capturing and decoding a DDM (e.g., DDM 112 of FIG. 1).

The display 328, keypad 320, directional pad (not shown in FIG. 3) anddirectional knob (not shown in FIG. 3) can collectively provide a userwith a means to initiate one or more software applications or functionsof MCI) 102. The application software 352, 356 can facilitate thecapturing and decoding of a DDM, as well as the communication with aserver 114 located at a remote site.

Exemplary Server Architecture

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is provided a schematic illustration ofan exemplary architecture for the server 114. The server 114 may includemore or less components than those shown in FIG. 4. However, thecomponents shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrative embodimentimplementing the present invention. The hardware architecture of FIG. 3represents one embodiment of a representative server configured tofacilitate the provision of DDM based services. As such, the server 114of FIG. 4 implements at least a portion of a method for generating a DDMand providing certain services in response to the reception of the DDMat an MCD. Some or all the components of the server 114 can beimplemented as hardware, software and/or a combination of hardware andsoftware. The hardware includes, but is not limited to, one or moreelectronic circuits. The electronic circuits can include, but are notlimited to, passive components (e.g., resistors and capacitors) and/oractive components (e.g., amplifiers and/or microprocessors). The passiveand/or active components can be adapted to, arranged to and/orprogrammed to perform one or more of the methodologies, procedures, orfunctions described herein.

As shown in FIG. 4, the server 114 comprises a user interface 402, aCentral Processing Unit (“CPU”) 406, a system bus 410, a memory 412connected to and accessible by other portions of server 114 throughsystem bus 410, and hardware entities 414 connected to system bus 410.The user interface can include input devices (e.g., a keypad 450, mouse434 and microphone 436) and output devices (e.g., speaker 452, a display454, a vibration device 458 and/or light emitting diodes 356), whichfacilitate user-software interactions for controlling operations of theserver 114.

At least some of the hardware entities 414 perform actions involvingaccess to and use of memory 412, which can be a Random Access Memory(“RAM”), a disk driver and/or a Compact Disc Read Only Memory(“CD-ROM”). The server 114 also comprises a Short Range Communication(“SRC”) unit 432.

Hardware entities 414 can include a disk drive unit 416 comprising acomputer-readable storage medium 418 on which is stored one or more setsof instructions 420 (e.g., software code) configured to implement one ormore of the methodologies, procedures, or functions described herein.The instructions 420 can also reside, completely or at least partially,within the memory 412 and/or within the CPU 406 during execution thereofby the server 114. The memory 412 and the CPU 406 also can constitutemachine-readable media. The term “machine-readable media”, as used here,refers to a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized ordistributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that storethe one or more sets of instructions 420. The term “machine-readablemedia”, as used here, also refers to any medium that is capable ofstoring, encoding or carrying a set of instructions 420 for execution bythe server 114 and that cause the server 114 to perform any one or moreof the methodologies of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the hardware entities 414include an electronic circuit (e.g., a processor) programmed forfacilitating the provision of DDM based services. In this regard, itshould be understood that the electronic circuit can access and run asoftware application 424 installed on the server 114. The softwareapplication 424 is generally operative to facilitate the creation orgeneration of a DDM, as well as the communication of the DDM to anexternal device. The software application 424 is generally operative tofacilitate the provision of certain events upon receipt of a symbolsequence represented by a DDM captured via an MCD.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described with respectto one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modificationswill occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading andunderstanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. Inaddition, while a particular feature of the invention may have beendisclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, suchfeature may be combined with one or more other features of the otherimplementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given orparticular application. Thus, the breadth and scope of the presentinvention should not be limited by any of the above describedembodiments. Rather, the scope of the invention should be defined inaccordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

We claim:
 1. A method for providing a Digital Dynamic Mark (“DDM”) inconjunction with a video, comprising: electronically receiving, by acomputing device, first information comprising a sequence of symbolsuniquely identifying a first entity and a first video; generating theDDM by performing mapping operations at said computing device torespectively map each of said symbols to a single image pattern of aplurality of different image patterns so as to form a sequence of firstactive image patterns, where the sequence of first active image patternsat least partially define the DDM, each said first active image patternexclusively comprises a plurality of first pattern regions for encodingsymbols, at least two pattern regions of said plurality of first patternregions are rendered with at least one color other than a definedbackground color for the single image pattern, said plurality of firstpattern regions are arranged in a non-grid like pattern, and each ofsaid plurality of first pattern regions has a non-square shape with asingle side boundary line directly abutting a single side boundary lineof at least one other first pattern region; and performing operations bysaid computing device to facilitate a display of said sequence of firstactive image patterns along with said first video in a detectable anddecodable manner.
 2. A method for providing a Digital Dynamic Mark(“DDM”) in conjunction with a video, comprising: electronicallyreceiving, by a computing device, first information comprising asequence of symbols uniquely identifying a first entity and a firstvideo; mapping, by said computing device, each of said symbols to animage pattern of a plurality of different image patterns so as to form asequence of first active image patterns, where each said first activeimage pattern exclusively comprises a plurality of first pattern regionsfor encoding symbols, at least two pattern regions of said plurality offirst pattern regions are rendered with at least one color other than adefined background color for the image pattern, said plurality of firstpattern regions are arranged in a non-grid like pattern, and each ofsaid plurality of first pattern regions has a non-square shape with asingle side boundary line directly abutting a single side boundary lineof at least one other first pattern region; performing operations bysaid computing device to facilitate a display of said sequence of firstactive image patterns along with said first video in a detectable anddecodable manner and appending said sequence of first active imagepatterns to an end of a sequence of second active image patterns, eachsaid second active image pattern indicating which symbol of a pluralityof symbols is represented by a particular active image pattern that maypossibly be contained in a customer-specific portion of any one of aplurality of DDMs.
 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein saidcomputing device further performs operations to facilitate a sequentialdisplay of said sequence of first active image patterns and said secondactive image patterns along with said first video.
 4. A method forproviding a Digital Dynamic Mark (“DDM”) in conjunction with a video,comprising: electronically receiving, by a computing device, firstinformation comprising a sequence of symbols uniquely identifying afirst entity and a first video; mapping, by said computing device, eachof said symbols to an image pattern of a plurality of different imagepatterns so as to form a sequence of first active image patterns, whereeach said first active image pattern exclusively comprises a pluralityof first pattern regions for encoding symbols, at least two patternregions of said plurality of first pattern regions are rendered with atleast one color other than a defined background color for the imagepattern, said plurality of first pattern regions are arranged in anon-grid like pattern, and each of said plurality of first patternregions has a non-square shape with a single side boundary line directlyabutting a single side boundary line of at least one other first patternregion; performing operations by said computing device to facilitate adisplay of said sequence of first active image patterns along with saidfirst video in a detectable and decodable manner; and appending aninactive image pattern to an end of said sequence of first active imagepatterns, said inactive image pattern comprising a plurality of secondpattern regions all rendered with said defined background color orblack.
 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein said computing devicefurther performs operations to facilitate a sequential display of saidsequence of first active image patterns and said inactive image patternalong with said first video.
 6. A method for providing a Digital DynamicMark (“DDM”) in conjunction with a video, comprising: electronicallyreceiving, by a computing device, first information comprising asequence of symbols uniquely identifying a first entity and a firstvideo; mapping, by said computing device, each of said symbols to animage pattern of a plurality of different image patterns so as to form asequence of first active image patterns, where each said first activeimage pattern exclusively comprises a plurality of first pattern regionsfor encoding symbols, at least two pattern regions of said plurality offirst pattern regions are rendered with at least one color other than adefined background color for the image pattern, said plurality of firstpattern regions are arranged in a non-grid like pattern, and each ofsaid plurality of first pattern regions has a non-square shape with asingle side boundary line directly abutting a single side boundary lineof at least one other first pattern region; and performing operations bysaid computing device to facilitate a display of said sequence of firstactive image patterns along with said first video in a detectable anddecodable manner; wherein each said first pattern region has arectangular shape in which said single side boundary line directly abutssaid single side boundary line of at least two other first patternregions.
 7. A method for providing a Digital Dynamic Mark (“DDM”) inconjunction with a video, comprising: electronically receiving, by acomputing device, first information comprising a sequence of symbolsuniquely identifying a first entity and a first video; mapping, by saidcomputing device, each of said symbols to an image pattern of aplurality of different image patterns so as to form a sequence of firstactive image patterns, where each said first active image patternexclusively comprises a plurality of first pattern regions for encodingsymbols, at least two pattern regions of said plurality of first patternregions are rendered with at least one color other than a definedbackground color for the image pattern, said plurality of first patternregions are arranged in a non-grid like pattern, and each of saidplurality of first pattern regions has a non-square shape with a singleside boundary line directly abutting a single side boundary line of atleast one other first pattern region; and performing operations by saidcomputing device to facilitate a display of said sequence of firstactive image patterns along with said first video in a detectable anddecodable manner; wherein at least two of said plurality of firstpattern regions have different shapes.
 8. A method for providing aDigital Dynamic Mark (“DDM”) in conjunction with a video, comprising:electronically receiving, by a computing device, first informationcomprising a sequence of symbols uniquely identifying a first entity anda first video; mapping, by said computing device, each of said symbolsto an image pattern of a plurality of different image patterns so as toform a sequence of first active image patterns, where each said firstactive image pattern exclusively comprises a plurality of first patternregions for encoding symbols, at least two pattern regions of saidplurality of first pattern regions are rendered with at least one colorother than a defined background color for the image pattern, saidplurality of first pattern regions are arranged in a non-grid likepattern, and each of said plurality of first pattern regions has anon-square shape with a single side boundary line directly abutting asingle side boundary line of at least one other first pattern region;and performing operations by said computing device to facilitate adisplay of said sequence of first active image patterns along with saidfirst video in a detectable and decodable manner; wherein said imagepattern has an overall shape conforming to a design mark of said firstentity.
 9. A method for providing a Digital Dynamic Mark (“DDM”) inconjunction with a video, comprising: electronically receiving, by acomputing device, first information comprising a sequence of symbolsuniquely identifying a first entity and a first video; mapping, by saidcomputing device, each of said symbols to an image pattern of aplurality of different image patterns so as to form a sequence of firstactive image patterns, where each said first active image patternexclusively comprises a plurality of first pattern regions for encodingsymbols, at least two pattern regions of said plurality of first patternregions are rendered with at least one color other than a definedbackground color for the image pattern, said plurality of first patternregions are arranged in a non-grid like pattern, and each of saidplurality of first pattern regions has a non-square shape with a singleside boundary line directly abutting a single side boundary line of atleast one other first pattern region; and performing operations by saidcomputing device to facilitate a display of said sequence of firstactive image patterns along with said first video in a detectable anddecodable manner; wherein said two pattern regions are rendered with twodifferent colors other than a defined background color for the imagepattern.
 10. A method for providing a Digital Dynamic Mark (“DDM”) inconjunction with a video, comprising: electronically receiving, by acomputing device, first information comprising a sequence of symbolsuniquely identifying a first entity and a first video: mapping, by saidcomputing device, each of said symbols to an image pattern of aplurality of different image patterns so as to form a sequence of firstactive image patterns, where each said first active image patternexclusively comprises a plurality of first pattern regions for encodingsymbols, at least two pattern regions of said plurality of first patternregions are rendered with at least one color other than a definedbackground color for the image pattern, said plurality of first patternregions are arranged in a non-grid like pattern, and each of saidplurality of first pattern regions has a non-square shape with a singleside boundary line directly abutting a single side boundary line of atleast one other first pattern region; and performing operations by saidcomputing device to facilitate a display of said sequence of firstactive image patterns along with said first video in a detectable anddecodable manner; wherein any two background pixels are connected by apath consisting entirely of background pixels.
 11. A method forproviding a Digital Dynamic Mark (“DDM”) in conjunction with a video,comprising: electronically receiving, by a computing device, firstinformation comprising a sequence of symbols uniquely identifying afirst entity and a first video: mapping, by said computing device, eachof said symbols to an image pattern of a plurality of different imagepatterns so as to form a sequence of first active image patterns, whereeach said first active image pattern exclusively comprises a pluralityof first pattern regions for encoding symbols, at least two patternregions of said plurality of first pattern regions are rendered with atleast one color other than a defined background color for the imagepattern, said plurality of first pattern regions are arranged in anon-grid like pattern, and each of said plurality of first patternregions has a non-square shape with a single side boundary line directlyabutting a single side boundary line of at least one other first patternregion; performing operations by said computing device to facilitate adisplay of said sequence of first active image patterns along with saidfirst video in a detectable and decodable manner; and performingoperations by said computing device to cause at least one event to occurin response to a reception of a sequence of decoded symbols obtainedfrom captured video of said sequence of first active image patternspresented along with said first video.
 12. The method according to claim11, wherein said event comprises (1) directing a communication devicepossessed by a viewer of said first video to a pre-defined website, or(2) delivering information to a viewer of said first video specifying apromotion, an offer or a coupon available through said first entity. 13.A method for providing a Digital Dynamic Mark (“DDM”) in conjunctionwith a video, comprising: providing, from a computing device to a markgenerator, first information comprising a sequence of symbols uniquelyidentifying a first entity and a first video; receiving by saidcomputing device a sequence of first active image patterns from saidmark generator, each said first active image pattern encoding arespective one of said symbols, where the sequence of first active imagepatterns at least partially defines the DDM, each of said first activeimage patterns exclusively comprises a plurality of first patternregions for encoding symbols, at least two pattern regions of saidplurality of first pattern regions are rendered with at least one colorother than a defined background color for the first active imagepatterns, said plurality of first pattern regions are arranged in anon-grid like pattern, and each of said plurality of first patternregions has a non-square shape with a single side boundary line directlyabutting a single side boundary line of at least one other first patternregion; and performing operations by said computing device to facilitatea display of said sequence of first active image patterns along withsaid first video in a detectable and decodable manner.
 14. A method forproviding a Digital Dynamic Mark (“DDM”) in conjunction with a video,comprising: providing, from a computing device to a mark generator,first information comprising a sequence of symbols uniquely identifyinga first entity and a first video; receiving by said computing device asequence of first active image patterns from said mark generator, eachsaid first active image pattern encoding a respective one of saidsymbols, where each of said first active image patterns exclusivelycomprises a plurality of first pattern regions for encoding symbols, atleast two pattern regions of said plurality of first pattern regions arerendered with at least one color other than a defined background colorfor the first active image patterns, said plurality of first patternregions are arranged in a non-grid like pattern, and each of saidplurality of first pattern regions has a non-square shape with a singleside boundary line directly abutting a single side boundary line of atleast one other first pattern region; and performing operations by saidcomputing device to facilitate a display of said sequence of firstactive image patterns along with said first video in a detectable anddecodable manner; wherein said sequence of first active image patternsis appended to an end of a sequence of second active image patterns,each said second active image pattern indicating which symbol of aplurality of symbols is represented by a particular active image patternthat may possibly be contained in a customer-specific portion of any oneof a plurality of DDMs.
 15. The method according to claim 14, whereinsaid computing device further performs operations to facilitate asequential display of said sequence of first active image patterns andsaid second active image patterns along with said first video.
 16. Amethod for providing a Digital Dynamic Mark (“DDM”) in conjunction witha video, comprising: providing, from a computing device to a markgenerator, first information comprising a sequence of symbols uniquelyidentifying a first entity and a first video; receiving by saidcomputing device a sequence of first active image patterns from saidmark generator, each said first active image pattern encoding arespective one of said symbols, where each of said first active imagepatterns exclusively comprises a plurality of first pattern regions forencoding symbols, at least two pattern regions of said plurality offirst pattern regions are rendered with at least one color other than adefined background color for the first active image patterns, saidplurality of first pattern regions are arranged in a non-grid likepattern, and each of said plurality of first pattern regions has anon-square shape with a single side boundary line directly abutting asingle side boundary line of at least one other first pattern region;and performing operations by said computing device to facilitate adisplay of said sequence of first active image patterns along with saidfirst video in a detectable and decodable manner; wherein an inactiveimage pattern is appended to an end of said sequence of first activeimage patterns, said inactive image pattern comprising a plurality ofsecond pattern regions all rendered with said defined background coloror black.
 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein said computingdevice further performs operations to facilitate a sequential display ofsaid sequence of first active image patterns and said inactive imagepattern along with said first video.
 18. A method for providing aDigital Dynamic Mark (“DDM”) in conjunction with a video, comprising:providing, from a computing device to a mark generator, firstinformation comprising a sequence of symbols uniquely identifying afirst entity and a first video; receiving by said computing device asequence of first active image patterns from said mark generator, eachsaid first active image pattern encoding a respective one of saidsymbols, where each of said first active image patterns exclusivelycomprises a plurality of first pattern regions for encoding symbols, atleast two pattern regions of said plurality of first pattern regions arerendered with at least one color other than a defined background colorfor the first active image patterns, said plurality of first patternregions are arranged in a non-grid like pattern, and each of saidplurality of first pattern regions has a non-square shape with a singleside boundary line directly abutting a single side boundary line of atleast one other first pattern region; and performing operations by saidcomputing device to facilitate a display of said sequence of firstactive image patterns along with said first video in a detectable anddecodable manner; wherein each said first pattern region has arectangular shape in which said single side boundary line directly abutssaid single side boundary line of at least two other first patternregions.
 19. A method for providing a Digital Dynamic Mark (“DDM”) inconjunction with a video, comprising: providing, from a computing deviceto a mark generator, first information comprising a sequence of symbolsuniquely identifying a first entity and a first video; receiving by saidcomputing device a sequence of first active image patterns from saidmark generator, each said first active image pattern encoding arespective one of said symbols, where each of said first active imagepatterns exclusively comprises a plurality of first pattern regions forencoding symbols, at least two pattern regions of said plurality offirst pattern regions are rendered with at least one color other than adefined background color for the first active image patterns, saidplurality of first pattern regions are arranged in a non-grid likepattern, and each of said plurality of first pattern regions has anon-square shape with a single side boundary line directly abutting asingle side boundary line of at least one other first pattern region;and performing operations by said computing device to facilitate adisplay of said sequence of first active image patterns along with saidfirst video in a detectable and decodable manner; wherein at least twoof said plurality of first pattern regions have different shapes.
 20. Amethod for providing a Digital Dynamic Mark (“DDM”) in conjunction witha video, comprising: providing, from a computing device to a markgenerator, first information comprising a sequence of symbols uniquelyidentifying a first entity and a first video; receiving by saidcomputing device a sequence of first active image patterns from saidmark generator each said first active image pattern encoding arespective one of said symbols, where each of said first active imagepatterns exclusively comprises a plurality of first pattern regions forencoding symbols, at least two pattern regions of said plurality offirst pattern regions are rendered with at least one color other than adefined background color for the first active image patterns, saidplurality of first pattern regions are arranged in a non-grid likepattern, and each of said plurality of first pattern regions has anon-square shape with a single side boundary line directly abutting asingle side boundary line of at least one other first pattern region;and performing operations by said computing device to facilitate adisplay of said sequence of first active image patterns along with saidfirst video in a detectable and decodable manner; wherein said imagepattern has an overall shape conforming to a design mark of said firstentity.
 21. A method for providing a Digital Dynamic Mark (“DDM”) inconjunction with a video, comprising: providing, from a computing deviceto a mark generator, first information comprising a sequence of symbolsuniquely identifying a first entity and a first video; receiving by saidcomputing device a sequence of first active image patterns from saidmark generator, each said first active image pattern encoding arespective one of said symbols where each of said first active imagepatterns exclusively comprises a plurality of first pattern regions forencoding symbols, at least two pattern regions of said plurality offirst pattern regions are rendered with at least one color other than adefined background color for the first active image patterns, saidplurality of first pattern regions are arranged in a non-grid likepattern, and each of said plurality of first pattern regions has anon-square shape with a single side boundary line directly abutting asingle side boundary line of at least one other first pattern region;performing operations by said computing device to facilitate a displayof said sequence of first active image patterns along with said firstvideo in a detectable and decodable manner; and receiving auser-software interaction selecting at least one event which is to occurin response to a reception of a sequence of decoded symbols obtainedfrom captured video of said sequence of first active image patternspresented along with said first video.
 22. The method according to claim21, wherein said event comprises (1) directing a communication devicepossessed by a viewer of said first video to a pre-defined website, or(2) delivering information to a viewer of said first video specifying apromotion, an offer or a coupon available through said first entity. 23.A method for using a Digital Dynamic Mark (“DDM”) presented along with avideo to receive information, comprising: capturing a first DDM beingpresenting along with a first video using a video camera of a computingdevice, said first DDM at least partially defined by a sequence of firstactive image patterns, each said first active image pattern encoding arespective one of a plurality of symbols uniquely identifying a firstentity and said first video, where each of said first active imagepatterns exclusively comprises a plurality of first pattern regions forencoding symbols, at least two pattern regions of said plurality offirst pattern regions are rendered with at least one color other than adefined background color for the first active image patterns, saidplurality of first pattern regions are arranged in a non-grid likepattern, and each of said plurality of first pattern regions has anon-square shape with a single side boundary line directly abutting asingle side boundary line of at least one other first pattern region;and decoding by said computing device said first DDM to obtain asequence of decoded symbols.
 24. A method for using a Digital DynamicMark (“DDM”) presented along with a video to receive information,comprising: capturing a first DDM being presenting along with a firstvideo using a video camera of a computing device, said first DDMcomprising a sequence of first active image patterns each encoding arespective one of a plurality of symbols uniquely identifying a firstentity and said first video, where each of said first active imagepatterns exclusively comprises a plurality of first pattern regions forencoding symbols, at least two pattern regions of said plurality offirst pattern regions are rendered with at least one color other than adefined background color for the first active image patterns, saidplurality of first pattern regions are arranged in a non-grid likepattern, and each of said plurality of first pattern regions has anon-square shape with a single side boundary line directly abutting asingle side boundary line of at least one other first pattern region;and decoding by said computing device said first DDM to obtain asequence of decoded symbols; wherein said first DDM further comprises asequence of second active image patterns indicating which symbol of aplurality of symbols is represented by a particular active image patternthat may possibly be contained in a customer-specific portion of any oneof a plurality of DDMs.
 25. A method for using a Digital Dynamic Mark(“DDM”) presented along with a video to receive information, comprising:capturing a first DDM being presenting along with a first video using avideo camera of a computing device, said first DDM comprising a sequenceof first active image patterns each encoding a respective one of aplurality of symbols uniquely identifying a first entity and said firstvideo, where each of said first active image patterns exclusivelycomprises a plurality of first pattern regions for encoding symbols, atleast two pattern regions of said plurality of first pattern regions arerendered with at least one color other than a defined background colorfor the first active image patterns, said plurality of first patternregions are arranged in a non-grid like pattern, and each of saidplurality of first pattern regions has a non-square shape with a singleside boundary line directly abutting a single side boundary line of atleast one other first pattern region; and decoding by said computingdevice said first DDM to obtain a sequence of decoded symbols; whereinsaid first DDM further comprises an inactive image pattern comprising aplurality of second pattern regions all rendered with said definedbackground color or black.
 26. A method for using a Digital Dynamic Mark(“DDM”) presented along with a video to receive information, comprising:capturing a first DDM being presenting along with a first video using avideo camera of a computing device, said first DDM comprising a sequenceof first active image patterns each encoding a respective one of aplurality of symbols uniquely identifying a first entity and said firstvideo, where each of said first active image patterns exclusivelycomprises a plurality of first pattern regions for encoding symbols, atleast two pattern regions of said plurality of first pattern regions arerendered with at least one color other than a defined background colorfor the first active image patterns, said plurality of first patternregions are arranged in a non-grid like pattern, and each of saidplurality of first pattern regions has a non-square shape with a singleside boundary line directly abutting a single side boundary line of atleast one other first pattern region; and decoding by said computingdevice said first DDM to obtain a sequence of decoded symbols; whereineach said first pattern region has a rectangular shape in which saidsingle side boundary line directly abuts said single side boundary lineof at least two other first pattern regions.
 27. A method for using aDigital Dynamic Mark (“DDM”) presented along with a video to receiveinformation, comprising: capturing a first DDM being presenting alongwith a first video using a video camera of a computing device, saidfirst DDM comprising a sequence of first active image patterns eachencoding a respective one of a plurality of symbols uniquely identifyinga first entity and said first video, where each of said first activeimage patterns exclusively comprises a plurality of first patternregions for encoding symbols, at least two pattern regions of saidplurality of first pattern regions are rendered with at least one colorother than a defined background color for the first active imagepatterns, said plurality of first pattern regions are arranged in anon-grid like pattern, and each of said plurality of first patternregions has a non-square shape with a single side boundary line directlyabutting a single side boundary line of at least one other first patternregion; and decoding by said computing device said first DDM to obtain asequence of decoded symbols; wherein at least two of said plurality offirst pattern regions have different shapes.
 28. A method for using aDigital Dynamic Mark (“DDM”) presented along with a video to receiveinformation, comprising: capturing a first DDM being presenting alongwith a first video using a video camera of a computing device, saidfirst DDM comprising a sequence of first active image patterns eachencoding a respective one of a plurality of symbols uniquely identifyinga first entity and said first video, where each of said first activeimage patterns exclusively comprises a plurality of first patternregions for encoding symbols, at least two pattern regions of saidplurality of first pattern regions are rendered with at least one colorother than a defined background color for the first active imagepatterns, said plurality of first pattern regions are arranged in anon-grid like pattern, and each of said plurality of first patternregions has a non-square shape with a single side boundary line directlyabutting a single side boundary line of at least one other first patternregion; and decoding by said computing device said first DDM to obtain asequence of decoded symbols; wherein each of said first active imagepatterns has an overall shape conforming to a design mark of said firstentity.
 29. A method for using a Digital Dynamic Mark (“DDM”) presentedalong with a video to receive information, comprising: capturing a firstDDM being presenting along with a first video using a video camera of acomputing device, said first DDM comprising a sequence of first activeimage patterns each encoding a respective one of a plurality of symbolsuniquely identifying a first entity and said first video, where each ofsaid first active image patterns exclusively comprises a plurality offirst pattern regions for encoding symbols, at least two pattern regionsof said plurality of first pattern regions are rendered with at leastone color other than a defined background color for the first activeimage patterns, said plurality of first pattern regions are arranged ina non-grid like pattern, and each of said plurality of first patternregions has a non-square shape with a single side boundary line directlyabutting a single side boundary line of at least one other first patternregion; and decoding by said computing device said first DDM to obtain asequence of decoded symbols; communicating said sequence of decodedsymbols to a remote device for processing.
 30. The method according toclaim 29, further comprising receiving by said computing deviceinformation from said remote device (1) directing said communicationdevice to a pre-defined website, or (2) specifying a promotion, an offeror a coupon available through said first entity.